The house is great, really well kept and in original japanese style.
It's very cold tough, it was snowing outside and the temperature inside wasn't higher than 5°. Heating is in the room, with a small gasoline heater, which was causing smell if used for long.
RRoger MichaelOk. First of all leave your expectations at home expecting hotel level service. Once you've done that if you want a cheap but clean place to stay this is it. This is a seinenkan - a facility for youth and youth-related organizations to conduct independent study and recreational activities, many of which have basic accommodation facilities but higher grade facilities than youth hostels. They are located all over Japan. I stayed in a tatami mat room on a floor with shared toilet facilities. The ground floor has a large communal bath - obviously separate for male and females. They have lights out at 11 p.m. and guests must return by the same time. There is a very modern cafe onsite serving cheap breakfasts (see photos) but the cafe closes by 6 p.m. There is a convenience store 10 minutes walk away so I suggest you buy snacks and beverages en route from JR Ishiyama station. For dinner, there is a family restaurant - good value and okay food - about 6 minutes walk away.
The seinenkan is located on a small island by a historic bridge. The views of the river inlet flowing into the main Lake Biwa is relaxing, lots of bird wildlife, and lots of rowers (the seinenkan is a water sports facility too). and the sunrise and sunset views are lovely.
The staff are very kind. It cost me ¥5,500 for one night and I will stay there again if I have the opportunity.
TThomasThe house is great, really well kept and in original japanese style.
It's very cold tough, it was snowing outside and the temperature inside wasn't higher than 5°. Heating is in the room, with a small gasoline heater, which was causing smell if used for long.
RRRRRRRRRRRThe room itself has a bathroom sink which is pretty convenient. Not expecting much given the price but it did have everything u need for a basic sleep.
Surprisingly the public bath is just hot water not onsen.